A collection of family and graduation photos cover Sergeant Latina Jolivette’s desk, serving as a reminder of proud moments that keep a smile on her face every day.

“My son and I graduated together in 2009,” said Jolivette. “He graduated from McDonogh 35 and I graduated from Loyola University.”

Jolivette joined the department at the age of 25 as a single mother with two young boys. After going through the NOPD Training Academy, she realized she didn’t want to stop learning and was determined to further her education.  She quickly earned her associate, bachelor's and master’s degree from Southern University of New Orleans while climbing up the law enforcement ladder. She acquired the rank of sergeant in March of 2016.

In addition, Jolivette is one of the few officers who is also a licensed social worker.  About a year ago, she added the title of small business owner to her list of accomplishments.

n 2015, Jolivette opened Expressive Art Solutions, an art studio designed to combine counseling and social work with art therapy.

“I thought of the idea to actually open up my own place and to just combine social work along with creative arts and crafts,” said Jolivette. “So, it encompasses a whole bunch of arenas to help people deal with their emotions and just try to regulate them.”

 She spends her time hosting parties and working with clients at her art studio. Often times, she’ll start each of her art sessions with a moment of meditation.

“So, it encompasses a whole bunch of arenas to help people deal with their emotions and just try to regulate them,” said Sgt. Jolivette.

Sgt. Jolivette was inspired to open her business after working with the NOPD’s victim witness division. She developed a passion for assisting victims of violence and one day she found herself in their shoes.

“Unfortunately, I lost my sister,” said Jolivette. “And her sister was murdered by her husband. So from there I used this as an outlet as a way to just kind of break free from the thoughts and the feelings that I had and I started painting,” said Jolivette.

It was at that moment, she says she discovered her true purpose in life.

“I kept trying to find my niche in social work and I was like ‘this is it’,” said Jolivette.

She credits the New Orleans police department for not only encouraging education, but for helping direct her journey to finding her true passion in helping others.

“I never realized all of the things that it would build up from and prepare me for this,” said Jolivette.

To learn more about joining the NOPD, go to www.joinnopd.org